Liver Transplant in Children: What to Expect at Home

Have your child rest when they feel tired.

Allow your child's body to heal. Don't let your child move quickly or lift anything heavy until the doctor says it is okay.

Have your child hold a pillow over the incision when they cough or take deep breaths. This will support the belly and decrease pain.

If your child is a teen, ask your doctor when they can drive again.

Many children are able to return to their usual activities within 3 months after surgery.

Your doctor will tell you when your child can bathe or swim after surgery.

Follow your doctor's instructions about what your child can eat after surgery. Most children start eating a regular diet over time after the transplant.

If your child's bowel movements are not regular after going home, you can help your child avoid constipation and straining. Have your child drink plenty of water. The doctor may suggest fiber, a stool softener, or a mild laxative.

Your doctor will tell you if and when your child can restart their medicines. The doctor will also give you instructions about your child taking any new medicines.

Give your child anti-rejection medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think your child is having a problem with the medicine.

If your child needs antibiotics or antiviral or antifungal medicines, give them as directed.

Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

• If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask the doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine. Do not give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol) or any over-the-counter medicines with acetaminophen unless your doctor tells you it's okay.

• If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.

• Store your child's prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When your child is done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.

Check with your child's doctor before your child has a dental visit or needs dental work.

If your child has strips of tape on the incision, leave the tape on until it falls off.

If the incision is closed with staples, the staples will be removed a few weeks after surgery.

Gently wash the area daily with warm, soapy water, and pat it dry. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. You may cover the area with a gauze bandage if it oozes or rubs against clothing.

Change the bandage every day or if it gets wet or dirty.

Keep the area clean and dry.

Your child has trouble breathing.

Your child passes out (loses consciousness).

Your child has sudden chest pain, is short of breath, or coughs up blood.

Your child has severe belly pain.

Your child has a fever, chills, or body aches.

Your child has been exposed to chickenpox or shingles.

Your child has signs of infection, such as:

• Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.

• Red streaks leading from the incision.

• Pus draining from the incision.

Your child's body shows signs of rejecting the new liver, such as:

• Pain or swelling in the belly.

• Sudden weight gain.

• The skin or the whites of the eyes turn yellow.

• Dark urine.

• Headache, crankiness, or lack of energy.

• Light-colored or bloody stools.

Your child has symptoms of a blood clot in the leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:

• Pain in the calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.

• Swelling in the leg or groin.

• A color change on the leg or groin. The skin may be reddish or purplish, depending on your child's usual skin color.

Your child has pain that does not get better after taking pain medicine.

Your child has loose stitches, or the incision comes open.

Your child is bleeding through the bandage.

Your child is sick to their stomach or vomiting or cannot keep down fluids or their anti-rejection medicines.

Your child has trouble passing stool, especially if they have pain or swelling in the lower belly.

Your child has any problems with any of their anti-rejection medicine.